Sustainable Management Of Water
How does variations in precipitation affect the availability of water
Too little Water over a long period of water is a Drought
Too much water over a short period of time is a Flood
What is a flood?
A flood is an overflow of a large amount of water onto normally dry land.
Types of floods
Flash Floods
River Floods
Caused by exceptionally heavy rainfall over a short period of time. These floods often occur in dry areas where there is not enough soil or vegetation.
Caused by sustained heavy rainfall, or meltwater when snow and ice start to melt after winter. The meltwater enters streams and tributaries, which then flows into the rivers. This causes a rise in the water level of the rivers, the water overflowing the banks eventually
What is a drought?
A drought is a long period of little to no rainfall in a specific area, lasting for months or even years, causing areas to become drier than normal.
How does water support Ecosystems?
Precipitation provides a regular supply of water to rivers so that organisms can live in them, The water supports the ecosystem, which has various species of animals and plants in a community.
Uses of Water
Domestic
Agricultural
Industrial
Agriculture uses water to grow crops, rear animals for human consumption.
Many industries require water to function. Water is used to cool equipment in factories and power plants because they generate a lot heat when they operate. Water is also used to generate electricity when it passes through turbines installed in dams
Examples of industries that use water to cool down equipment: Nuclear power plants
Recreation
Domestical use of water include: Bathing, cooking and flushing of the toilet.
Recreational use of water include water sports such as: Swimming, Canoeing, Sailing and Sports Fishing